Financial experts are warning families about a common £200 inheritance mistake that's tearing relatives apart over sentimental possessions.
The biggest inheritance rows aren't always over money – they can be over dad's watch, mum's jewellery or grandad's guitar, with casual promises made decades earlier easily forgotten or misremembered.
Expert warning on promised gifts
Scott Gallacher, director at Leicester-based Rowley Turton, said: "The biggest inheritance disagreements aren't always about money. They're often about the things people believed had already been promised to them."
Experts warn that innocent comments like "one day, that'll be yours" can take on enormous significance, particularly for treasured family heirlooms, but may be forgotten years later or even promised to multiple people.
Solution to prevent disputes
To prevent disputes, Mr Gallacher has created a Promised Gifts Log allowing families to record which sentimental possessions they intend to leave to specific members and why.
Rob Mansfield from Rootes Wealth Management said: "If it's not written down, it didn't happen, is such a great adage."
Emotional value over market value
Experts emphasise that a £200 watch can carry more emotional weight than a £20,000 investment because families argue over memory and identity, not market value.
